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Each week, anywhere from 12-20 residents at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, our Life Plan Community in Jacksonville, meet to exercise their minds as well as their bodies. Fitness Coordinator Jeri Jo Fox leads residents in stimulating exercises aiming to maintain their mental agility. Staying mentally sharp is a key component of leading a healthy life, and it’s never too late to start.

“Just because I’m the fitness coordinator, it’s not all about me teaching physical fitness,” Jeri Jo said. “Brain fitness is just as important.”

Westminster Woods on Julington Creek isn’t the only Westminster community mixing brain health exercises into their daily activities. Brain health programming can be found at each of our Life Plan Communities throughout the state emphasizing the need to exert different areas of the brain and maximize its potential as we age.

For years, Jeri Jo has been incorporating brain fitness exercises into her physical fitness classes. She completed hours of research, connected with experts, and created her own curriculum full of exercises involving finger manipulation, coordination and a combination of physical exercise and brain stimulation. Today she leads residents through a 12-week program called Total Brain Health. Through puzzles, games, creative endeavors, and even physical activities, residents are challenged both mentally and physically in order to stay sharp. The science-based, expert-designed curriculum offers simple exercises for cognitive wellness and details why these exercises are beneficial for brain health.

“There are so many things that are related to brain health for a successful quality of life,” Jeri Jo said. “I’ve seen after COVID the people who did not socialize or exercise, part of them just shut down. There’s so much that you can control, so why not incorporate it?”

During class residents are given worksheets and handouts to coincide with the brain games and workouts to highlight which area of the brain they’re working and to further develop social skills, but the lessons are varied.

“Every week is a different lesson so residents aren’t going to fall behind if they miss one or two or three,” Jeri Jo said. “You start off with a physical warmup with your hands and your feet, and everything you do you’re counting backwards or forwards or saying the alphabet, so you’re warming up your brain.”

Jeri Jo noted that she has some very healthy and very independent residents attending the Total Brain Health class, but that the program extends beyond just independent living residents.

“This is the one class some of my more physically challenged independent residents can attend. They might not come to balance class, but they really look forward to this,” Jeri Jo said. “I took that same exercise to the health center because they can do it! Even if they are sitting in a wheelchair, they can still participate in a brain game.”

Residents tell Jeri Jo they notice the effects and feel better. “They look forward to this and they like the challenge,” she said noting she’s seeing benefits herself leading the class through these exercises. “I feel like my mind is clearer and sharper because I do this stuff.”

IMPROVING BRAIN HEALTH AT HOME

By exercising your brain either at home or at a Westminster community, you strengthen the neural pathways in your brain, which can help to improve your memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and if you can’t be there to participate in Jeri Jo’s Total Brain Health class in person, she offered some ways you can get a brain workout at home to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.

1. 1. Read out loud for 15 minutes each day.
2. 2. Write. If your hands don’t work well use your computer and type or write for 15 minutes each day. Write a letter, or write a story, write a summary of your day, write what you’re grateful for – just write!
3. 3. Socialize. Connect with others. In order to have a conversation with somebody, you have to remember what they said, you have to pull from your memory and find the vocabulary.
4. 4. Challenge your brain through a mentally stimulating exercise or by doing a game against the clock. Something that is new and novel is desirable to your brain.
5. 5. Eat well, stay hydrated, sleep and exercise.

When you choose to live at a Westminster community, you’ll have access to a plethora of well-being opportunities to exercise your mind and body. Learn more about the lifestyle you can enjoy and find the community near you today!

This fall, more than 1 million students will attend Florida’s colleges and universities, with the many associated costs. The average student will borrow more than $7,200 each year to attend college. For Westminster Communities of Florida team members and their family members, however, a few minimum requirements and an application are all that stand between them and access to educational aid to pursue their educational goals.

Each year, Westminster’s Team Member Scholarship Fund provides more than 75 scholarships to team members throughout the state and raises more than $150,000 to support team members now and in the future.

“We have money! We have over $100,000 to distribute and we want to get rid of it,” said Ray Petty, chair of the Team Member Scholarship Fund Committee at Westminster Suncoast, our Life Plan Community in St. Petersburg.

The committee has approved nine scholarships in the last 12 months at Westminster Suncoast, just one of Westminster’s 10 Life Plan Communities. Other communities have many participants too: In 2023 alone, the Team Member Scholarship Fund distributed almost 60 scholarships and just shy of $110,000 of educational aid state-wide. In Orlando, a Certified Nursing Assistant at Westminster Towers is attending the registered nurse program at City College Orlando; Westminster St. Augustine’s Social Services and Admissions Director is taking on a Ph.D. program at Keiser University; and a Dining Server at Westminster Shores is pursuing a degree in psychology at St. Petersburg College, all with the help of the Team Member Scholarship Funds.

These funds are generous tax-deductible gifts made by residents wishing to express their appreciation for team members. Their donations provide financial aid for qualified team members to engage in post-high school educational studies at local universities, colleges and professional training centers. The scholarship also extends to family members who are financially dependent on the team member.

Registered Nurse Gabina Jean was introduced to the Team Member Scholarship Fund when her daughter Gabriella started college. Gabina has been caring for patients in the Rapid Recovery Unit at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, our Life Plan Community in Jacksonville, since 2012, and after utilizing the fund to assist with her daughter’s college education, Gabina was encouraged to apply for the scholarship herself by one of her co-workers.

Today, both mother and daughter are pursuing advanced degrees with assistance of the Team Member Scholarship Fund. For Gabina, a Master of Science in nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health nursing from the University of St. Augustine, and for her daughter Gabriella, a degree in health sciences from the University of North Florida, with plans to graduate this fall. Combined they have received more than $20,000 to further their education from the community’s Team Member Scholarship Fund.

Gabina said the support of her fellow team members, supervisors, scholarship fund committee members and residents has been incredible. “The people at the community that donate the money, they come to me and say, ‘I’m so glad to see that the money I gave is helping you!‘” Gabina said.

The funds are unique in that the scholarships are not required to be used for the benefit of the organization; instead, the money is allocated to meet the educational interests of the team member.

“We approve something that the team member wants, not something that Westminster Suncoast wants,” Mr. Petty said. “In other words, what they’d like to study is what we provide the scholarship for. For example, we had a lady that did nail science and she’s having a ball with it!”

For many, receiving the Team Member Scholarship is a jumping off point for them to pursue their personal passions.

“One of the team members who works in the kitchen is getting his degree in physical therapy,” Mr. Petty said. “We also had a young lady who is a CNA (Certified Nursing Aide) who wanted to become a phlebotomist. She had to go to a special school here in Pinellas County which prepares them for the phlebotomy exam, and we paid for that. There are only 15 people admitted to the program and there were 50 applicants and she got in.”

“I feel like it’s an easy process,” college senior Gabriella said about her time applying and reapplying for the scholarship over the last three years. “There’s two short essays, three prompts, you fill out your information — it is easy to apply.”

What stands between team members and the scholarship is the application process, and having been through it multiple times, team member Gabina encouraged her coworkers to take the plunge and apply.

“I keep telling people about the scholarship, my coworkers and everybody, and most of them are afraid of the process,” she said. “Don’t overthink it. Just go and do it! Start the process and ask questions. There’s always somebody that is going to help you.”

The support for team members extends beyond financial support for recipients of the scholarship. At Westminster Suncoast, they try to pair recipients with team members or residents who have experience in the area they’re studying.

The same support resonates at our Life Plan Community 217 miles away at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek. Gabina recounted how Elaine Goleski, chair of their Team Member Scholarship Fund committee, stays in contact and routinely reaches out to offer encouragement. “She’s very involved,” Gabina said. “Residents and team members, everybody follows up! For me they are very supportive.”

At Westminster Communities of Florida, we recognize and encourage our team members’ pursuit of personal passions. With the Team Member Scholarship Fund, the 2,700 team members throughout the state and their families have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals and further their careers without the financial burden.

To join the team at Westminster Communities of Florida, serve seniors throughout the state and pursue your personal passion, find the opportunity that suits you today at https://www.WestminsterCommunitiesFL.org/careers!

Living in a community brings many benefits to our lives, from fostering meaningful connections to providing a sense of purpose and belonging. It is also important to consider how our lifestyle and choices impact our community, both environmentally and socially.

This week, we’re exploring the community dimension of well-being and showing how you can thrive in your community this summer. At Westminster Communities of Florida, we strive to provide our residents with opportunities to make their community a part of their well-being. From understanding and valuing how your personal lifestyle and choices impact our community to introducing ways to embrace community every day, we’re diving into how to make your community a part of your overall well-being.

Be dedicated to making the community your home.

Being part of a community is a fundamental part of well-being. Creating meaningful connections with others and feeling like you belong somewhere helps to foster personal growth and improve your overall well-being. That’s why we believe it’s so important to dedicate yourself to making the community your home. Investing in your local area by getting involved in local activities, volunteering, or joining community groups can all help to create lasting relationships with those around you and fill your life with purpose.

It doesn’t stop there either; getting involved in community activities provides an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate common goals, values, and beliefs. Studies show that participating in communal activities results in increased feelings of satisfaction and contentment—so it’s no surprise that dedicating yourself to making your community your home has such positive effects on mental health.

Understand how your personal lifestyle and choices impact our community.

It is important to recognize that the choices we make as individuals have an impact on our community, both environmentally and socially. We must be mindful of how our lifestyle and choices can affect the well-being of others in our community and take steps to ensure that we are creating a safe, healthy environment for everyone.

On the environmental side, small changes in lifestyle can have a big impact. Simple things like buying local produce or using reusable containers instead of disposable plastics can help reduce pollution and waste in our community. We can also choose to use public transportation or carpooling when possible or walk or bike instead of driving for short distances. These small changes add up to create a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone in our community.

Socially responsible actions are equally important when it comes to community well-being. Participating in local events such as clean-up days or fundraisers helps build social cohesion within the neighborhood and strengthens connections between members of the community. Additionally, supporting local businesses helps foster economic growth and development within the area which benefits everyone in some way.

At Westminster Communities of Florida, we provide scheduled transportation, reducing the number of cars on the roads. Our dining teams source local farmers markets for ingredients used in our dishes, and even use fresh herbs and vegetables grown in our resident-cultivated gardens. Residents have plenty of chances for social interaction from volunteering and putting together backpacks filled with school supplies to donate to local students in need, to holding events featuring goods from local businesses, our communities are a great place to support the local community.

Ways to embrace community every day

We all have the power to make a positive impact on our community every day. It’s as simple as choosing to be conscious of how we interact with those around us and to take an active role in bettering our neighborhood and city. Here are some practical tips to embrace community every day:

1. Get involved: Participate in local events or join a club or organization that works towards making your community better. This could include volunteering at a food bank, cleaning up your local park, or helping out with an animal rescue organization. Not only is this beneficial for the people around you, but it also gives you an opportunity to meet new people and explore new interests.
   
2. Shop locally: Choose local stores over big chains whenever possible to support small businesses and keep money circulating within the community. Buying locally-made products also helps reduce environmental costs associated with large-scale production and transport of goods from other places.
   
3. Give back: Donating time or money to causes that are important to you is a great way to make a difference in your community without even leaving home! Whether it’s donating items that can be reused or recycled, giving money directly to charities, or providing mentorship through volunteering opportunities—everyone can make an impact no matter their financial means or availability of time.
   

Strive to make an impact in your community

Taking steps to embrace your community every day can have a positive effect on your well-being. At Westminster Communities of Florida, we recognize the importance and provide our residents with opportunities to get involved, frequent local businesses, and give back.

When you choose to live at a Westminster community, you’ll have access to opportunities and programming with all eight of our dimensions of well-being in mind, including supporting our local community. Learn more about the lifestyle you can enjoy and find the community near you today!

Florida’s sun doesn’t just light up the skies; it illuminates our lives here at Westminster Communities of Florida. Here, physical activity isn’t just about movement; it’s a symphony of experiences.

Ensuring your golden years shimmer with liveliness, we’ve devoted our community to creating a wellness program that caters to each resident’s unique needs. At Westminster, we believe in keeping both your body and mental wellbeing in excellent shape.

Physical Activity – The Joyous Rhythm of Life

Imagine waking up each day with an eagerness to embrace new adventures. That’s the lifestyle we envision for our residents at Westminster! For our younger seniors, those who still have mountains to climb and oceans to sail, staying active keeps the winds of adventure blowing in their sails.

In the same way, if you’re envisioning a haven for your loved one, we know you imagine a place filled with laughter, energy, and zest. Westminster pledges to be that vibrant sanctuary for all our residents.

Embracing Our My W Life Program

At Westminster, we’ve given it a lot of thought, and we’ve come up with something truly special for our residents: the My W Life program. Wellness isn’t just about doing a few stretches in the morning or having a salad for lunch (though both sounds pretty good!). We believe wellness touches every aspect of our lives, from our bodies to our spirits and everything in between.

Let us break down the aspects of our program for you:

Physical Wellness: We’re not talking just any old fitness classes. Our offerings are all about reaching your personal best, making those smart health choices, and knowing when to seek a helping hand.

Lifelong Learning: Keep that brain of yours buzzing! Whether you’re diving into the arts, picking up some Spanish, or gazing at the stars (thanks, Hubble Telescope!), there’s always something new to learn and explore.

Nutritional Wellness: Picture this: delectable, restaurant-style meals that not only taste amazing but also nourish your body. That’s our goal at Westminster’s communities!

Social & Community Connection: Here, it’s all about bonding and belonging. Strengthen ties with family, make new friends, and immerse yourself in a community that truly values the environment and social harmony.

Emotional Balance: Life can be a roller coaster, and that’s okay! We’re here to help you navigate the highs and lows, express yourself, and find that ever-important emotional equilibrium.

Spiritual Growth: Seeking deeper meaning? We’re on the journey with you, supporting you in aligning your actions with those core beliefs and values that make you, well, YOU.

Vocational Pursuits: Remember those passions and skills you’ve honed over the years? There’s always a place for them here. Dive into volunteer programs or partner with the community to keep that spark alive.

So, when we talk about the My W Life program, it’s not just a program; it’s a lifestyle, a commitment, and a promise we make to all our residents.

Fitness Tailored to Individual Flair

Westminster isn’t one-size-fits all. We understand that every individual has their unique story, everyone has their own unique rhythm. That’s why our fitness initiatives, inspired by the vast resources at Westminster Communities, span a spectrum. From cutting-edge gym facilities to aquatic workouts that merge fun with fitness, choices abound. And for those who seek tranquility with a touch of spirituality, our yoga sessions resonate with peace and poise.

Embracing Nature’s Embrace

Life at Westminster extends beyond the gym walls. Step outside, and nature beckons with open arms. Walking isn’t just about physical exercise; it’s a journey through lush landscapes, where each step reveals a story and every corner whispers a secret. For those with a green thumb, gardening opportunities are a canvas. Plant a seed, nurture it, watch it grow – it’s not just gardening; it’s the creation of life, mirroring the new beginnings our residents experience here daily.

The Rhythmic Pulse of Dance and Music

A community that dances together, thrives together. Dance is an expression, a celebration, and at Westminster, it’s a way of life. It’s not just about steps; it’s about expressing oneself, feeling the music, and letting go. And for those who prefer serenading to sashaying, music programs promise harmony in every note, striking chords that resonate deep within.

To describe life at Westminster Communities as just “retirement living” would be an understatement; it’s reimagining what life in the golden years can be like. Through our commitment, epitomized by programs like My W Life, we’re not merely offering a place to live. We’re offering a realm where every day is a canvas, waiting for our vibrant residents to paint it with their dreams, hopes, and adventures. Every sunrise at Westminster’s communities brings new opportunities, every activity sparks a new passion, and every resident feels at home.

Have you ever seen a Florida sunset just melting into the ocean, lighting up the sky in hues of gold and purple? Or maybe you’ve strolled around the lively cultural festivals, soaked up the art scenes, or just enjoyed the laid-back, flip-flop lifestyle that Florida embraces. It’s a little piece of paradise that makes every day feel like a vacation. But for seniors, Florida has got an extra sprinkle of magic. It’s not just about the sun-kissed beaches or the palm trees swaying in the breeze. The Sunshine State delivers real, practical benefits that can turn retirement into a grand new adventure. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into why Florida, especially within a retirement haven like Westminster Communities, is the perfect spot to put your feet up and relish your golden years.

Weather and Natural Beauty

Think about this – how amazing would it be to wake up to sun-drenched days almost 365 days a year? That’s Florida for you. We live in one of those rare spots where you can hit the golf course, take a boat ride, or just wander along the beach nearly every single day. And let’s not forget about the lush green parks, teeming with all sorts of amazing critters, and those jaw-dropping sunsets that look like someone painted the sky. This isn’t your average beauty – it’s a bit of everyday magic that just adds an extra sparkle to life here.

Financial Advantages

Did you know Florida’s got your back when it comes to taxes? Seriously, no state income tax, no estate tax, and no inheritance tax. This means you get to keep more of your hard-earned retirement dough in your pocket. And when you’re living somewhere like Westminster, where all your care needs are rolled into one steady price, managing the budget gets a whole lot easier. It’s a win-win for all of us in our golden years.

Quality Healthcare

Guess what else is great about Florida? We’ve got some of the best healthcare around, and that’s a big deal when you’re looking for a place to retire. Plenty of places here focus specifically on our needs as we age, making sure we get the top-tier care we need, tailored just for us.

And if you’re kicking back at Westminster, you’re all set. We have a whole spectrum of care covered, from residents who just need a little help now and then to those who need more specialized professional nursing care. The best part? Even if your health needs change, you’re close at hand to the care you need. You get to stay right there, in your own community, with the same friendly faces and caring staff you’ve come to know and trust.

Rich Cultural and Recreational Opportunities

Retiring in Florida is anything but boring. This state is bursting at the seams with fun stuff to do. Fancy checking out some local art or getting your groove on at a concert? No problem – Florida’s got you covered. There’s always some fun event or happening in town.

And if you’re hanging your hat at Westminster, you’ll have an all-access pass to all the action. Our community allows access to everything from day trips to local hotspots, big social calendars, and even art classes if you’re feeling a bit creative. Life here isn’t just about taking it easy – it’s about staying busy, keeping your mind sharp, and most importantly, having a whole lot of fun.

Active and Connected Community

Being part of a community isn’t just about having people to wave good morning to. It plays a huge role in keeping our spirits high and minds sharp during our golden years. And in Florida? We’ve got this covered. With so many seniors choosing the Sunshine State, you’ll find plenty of folks who are right there with you.

At Westminster, we strive to create an environment where everyone is looking out for each other. That’s what we call real community living!

Choosing Florida for your retirement isn’t just about trading snow shovels for beach umbrellas. It’s about diving headfirst into a lifestyle that’s buzzing with activity, full of laughter, and rewarding in so many ways. And with top-tier healthcare around the corner and some sweet financial perks, it’s an easy decision.

Westminster Communities isn’t just a place to live, but a place to thrive, to discover new hobbies, and to make lifelong friends. It’s the kind of place where seniors aren’t just getting by, they’re living it up. No surprise then, that the Sunshine State is becoming the top pick for folks to spend their golden years. And at Westminster, we’re making sure that choice is one of the best you’ve ever made.